– There are as many as a half dozen mystery candidates for the Mohave County Manager position. During Monday’s special Board meeting, supervisors indicated they want to interview as many as six more candidates beyond the three recommended by a screening panel.
The four-member committee interviewed its four top contenders last week after reviewing at least 46 applications. The panel suggested that the Board of Supervisors interview three of those four.
The panel gives its highest ranking and recommendation to Sam Elters (1A) of Phoenix, followed by Paul Van Haute (1B), Eatonton Georgia and David Williams (3), Prescott Valley. The committee did not recommend that its fourth candidate Scott Albert, Richardson, Texas be interviewed by the Board.
The top contender Sam Elters has deep roots in Kingman and northwest Arizona is a contender for the position of Mohave County Manager. He was a Mohave County Public Works employee long ago when was hired by the Arizona Department of Transportation. Elters served as Area, Kingman District and State Engineer for ADOT before he transitioned into the private sector.
Elters would fit a pattern or history of Mohave County promoting managers from within, particularly from the Public Works Department. Former County Parks Director served as Mohave County Manager in the 1980s. Former Public Works Directors Dave Grisez and Dick Skalicky also spent time in the county manager’s chair. Hendrix also rose through the ranks of Public Works to become Manager.
The Board is not restricted to the panel nominees. Supervisor Hildy Angius wants to interview one more person, Board Chairman Jean Bishop wants to interview two more and supervisor Buster Johnson wants to interview three others.
The names were not divulged during the Board meeting because Human Resources personnel will have to reach out to the mystery contenders to learn if they wish to be interviewed. Their names could be disclosed in that instance.
It is possible some of the supervisors may have the same candidates in mind so there may be fewer than six mystery contenders. Supervisors directed staff to contact the panel recommended trio and the others and schedule interviews for May 28.
It was noted a second interview day may be needed, depending on the size of the pool.
- Dave Hawkins
